10 facts about the first home Elvis Presley bought (of course with photos…you all are the best)

Before we get to these cool facts I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and/or Happy Hanukkah.

Lets get to it:

10 Facts about the first home Elvis Presley bought in Memphis, TN located at 1034 Audubon Drive

 

 

1. The home was not built for Elvis, nor was it a brand-new home. In fact, it was built by Howard and Ruth Handworker for their family.  They completed the home either in late 1953 or early 1954.  Howard was employed by a wood products company and had experience in home construction.  He designed his home with special features; redwood wall paneling, pocket doors that slide into the walls, and red oak floors.  When the Handworkers moved out in 1956, Elvis bought the home, making the Presley family the second owners of 1034 Audubon Drive.

 

 

2. They bought the home in March 1956, not May 11, 1956 as many people have written. The transaction papers were signed on March 8 and 12, 1956.  The Presley family; Elvis, Vernon, Gladys, and Minnie Mae, moved into the house the last week of the month.

 

 

3. It is also written that they paid $40,000 for the home. They paid $29,100, still a lot of money in those days for a home.  The erroneous information about the date and price of this transaction stems from a newspaper article printed on May 11, 1956.

 

 

4. Obviously, Elvis provided the money to buy the home. But he signed the documents to own the home with his mother and father, giving all three “title” to the home.  In fact, the following year all three would sign similar documents to take possession of Graceland.  These documents are further proof that Elvis shared his success with his family.

 

 

5. Part of the legend is that the neighbors did not like Elvis. Some of the neighbors were said to regard the Presley’s as “white trash, hillbillies.”  Or they viewed his performances as crude or sinful.  Apparently not everyone on Audubon Drive shared those views. A few of the surviving neighbors are careful to explain that they liked the family but did not like the noise and confusion surrounding them.

 

 

6. No matter how the parents of Audubon Drive felt, the 60 or more children growing up on the street loved having the King of Rock and Roll live “next door”. For the young girls entering their sexual awaking, he must have quite a treat. The boys saw Elvis as the “leader of the pack.”  Elvis was accommodating to them all; signing autographs, giving motorcycle rides, playing football with the boys.

 

 

7. The Presley family tried to be good neighbors. Those who met them particularly remember Gladys feeding cookies to the nearby children or showing off her vegetable garden by the swimming pool.  Vernon was not as friendly.  They saw less of Elvis, but he was always polite to his elders. The year 1956 was the beginning of Elvis mania, when he was mobbed everywhere, he traveled.  The Audubon Drive home became an unofficial tourism attraction in the city, especially when Elvis was home.  The Presley’s understood that the unbridled enthusiasm for Elvis was a distraction but were unable to solve the problem.

 

 

8. Many of the most famous pictures of Elvis were taken at 1034 Audubon Drive. Elvis allowed Alfred Wertheimer to follow him at close range for months that year.  Alfred shot Elvis, young cousin Billy Smith, and Vernon sitting by the patio table.  Elvis has cocked his head to one side to observe the photographer and is holding a Pepsi bottle.  This photo has been reproduced thousands of times.  An even more famous photo is of Elvis on his Harley-Davidson, casting his eyes downward.  It is the most iconic photo of moody, restless youth of the 1950’s.  Elvis was not striking a pose but was disgusted that his motorcycle did not have gas in the tank.  He could not start it.

 

 

9. Eight families have owned 1034 Audubon between the years 1957 to 1998. After all these years, Elvis was the last homeowner to add a room to the house.  Elvis converted the outdoor patio into a large den; with a glass wall to look out to the pool, two wood and glass trophy cases, mahogany wood paneling, custom made star shaped light fixtures, and an acoustic tile ceiling.  The room looks the same today.  Although he was the homeowner for one year, he made far more changes to the house than everyone else after him.

 

 

10. Finally they knew that they had to move into a place with more privacy and security than was possible at 1034 Audubon Drive. It is well known that the Presley bought Graceland from Ruth Brown Moore, a member of a wealthy Memphis family who built that estate home in 1939. Graceland was named after a relative of Mrs. Moore, but few knew that Mrs. Moore swapped homes with the Presley’s.  She took possession of 1034 Audubon Drive and rented it to another relative.  Elvis paid $102,000 for Graceland, half of that in cash, and half in the assessed value of 1034 Audubon Drive.

Led Zepplin & Elvis Presley?

In a recent Instagram post, guitar legend Jimmy Page has shared an untold story of how he paid his respect to rock n’ roll star Elvis Presley in 1998.

He also mentioned about how Elvis Presley’s vision changed the world.  Here’s what he wrote:

“On this day in 1998, I played at Tupelo, where Elvis was born and raised, when there were no local attractions apart from the cotton fields or getting to Memphis.

When Elvis grew up it must have been pretty bleak but the white and black picked the cotton side by side and the local indigenous music provided the soundtrack to this tough environment and it took the visionary genius of Elvis to blend those musical sources and change the world. 🔊John Lee Hooker’s sonic ambience to the region; ‘Tupelo’ recorded in 1960.”

Check out the Instagram post below.

View this post on Instagram

On this day in 1998, I played at Tupelo, where Elvis was born and raised, when there were no local attractions apart from the cotton fields or getting to Memphis. When Elvis grew up it must have been pretty bleak but the white and black picked the cotton side by side and the local indigenous music provided the soundtrack to this tough environment and it took the visionary genius of Elvis to blend those musical sources and change the world. 🔊John Lee Hooker's sonic ambience to the region; 'Tupelo' recorded in 1960.

A post shared by Jimmy Page (@jimmypage) on May 30, 2019 at 11:11am PDT

 

Elvis at Lousianna Hayride YouTube Video

 

Elvis’ Bel Air home is up for sale

Daily Mail comes this interesting article:

 

Zsa Zsa Gabor’s Regency-style mansion in Bel Air is up for sale for $23.4 million

It was once home to Elvis Presley before becoming Zsa Zsa Gabor’s residence in 1974.

And now the late actress and socialite’s luxurious Bel Air estate up for sale for $23.4 million, The Hollywood Reporter said Monday.

The property comes along with blueprints and permits to construct a larger residence with six-car garage on the one-acre site.

It was once home to Elvis Presley before becoming Zsa Zsa Gabor’s residence in 1974. And now the late star’s luxurious Bel Air estate is up for sale for $23.4 million, THR.com said Monday

 

The famous actress and socialite, pictured with her ninth husband Fredric Von Anhalt in 1993, passed away in December 2016 at the age of 99

The current house was built in 1955 and has six bedrooms and seven bathrooms over 8,878 square feet.

It also has a pool and boasts panoramic views from Downtown Los Angeles to the Pacific Ocean.

Gabor, who was born in Budapest in 1017, passed away in December 2016.

Three years earlier, she had agreed a deal in which she sold the home to a developer on condition that she would remain living in it until her death.

 

The current house was built in 1955 in a French regency style and has six bedrooms and seven bathrooms over 8,878 square feet

 

In 2013, Gabor had agreed a deal in which she sold the home to a developer on condition that she would remain living in it until her death

 

The Budapest-born star Gabor hosted a string of high-profile figures during her time at the home, including Ronald Reagan, Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra and Queen Elizabeth II

 

The property sits on one acre with panoramic views from Downtown Los Angeles to the Pacific ocean

Now it appears that the Regency-style home is likely to be demolished to make way for a more modern and extensive residence.

The plans drawn up by architectural firm Harrison Design are for the construction of a new 24,020-square-foot two-story house as well as a new pool along with covered loggias, THR.com reported.

The new residence would offer an open plan living/dining room, study, grand circular staircase, open plan family room, kitchen and butler’s pantry on the first floor.

The second-floor would have a master suite with sitting room and adjoining covered terrace along with his and her baths and his and her closets.

There would be four additional en-suite bedrooms and a playroom.

Also included in the proposed new property would be a recreational room with bar, screening room, gym and steam room.

Inside extravagant home of Zsa Zsa and Prince Frederic von Anhalt

 

The estate is being sold along with plans and permits to build a new 24,020-square-foot two-story house as well as a new six-car garage, THR.com reported

 

Also included in the proposed new construction is a remodeled pool with covered loggias as well as a recreational room with bar, screening room, gym and steam room

Gabor hosted a string of high-profile figures and celebrities during her time at the home, including Ronald and Nancy Reagan, Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra and Queen Elizabeth II.

In April, her ninth husband Frederic Von Anhalt auctioned off her belongings including her couture gowns, jewelry, photo albums and furnishings including a gold plated Steinway Grand Piano.

The hundreds of item raised a total of just over $900,000.

1994: Zsa Zsa Gabor is all smiles on Comedy Awards red carpet

 

In April, Von Anhalt auctioned off hundreds of Gabor’s belongings including couture gowns, jewelry, photo albums and furnishings including a gold plated Steinway Grand Piano

Personal record collection of Elvis Presley

Comes this fantastic “official” series called “The Gates of Graceland” specifically Elvis’ record collection. I LOVE this series. I have great respect for everyone involved as they do an extraordinary job in public and behind the scenes.

Courtesy of YouTube. Enjoy:

THANK YOU for visiting and sharing this blog via social media.

Take care and may God bless you and yours always.

 

 

 

Officially sanctioned documentary called “Elvis The Searcher” video trailer April 14, 2018

Courtesy of EPE, Graceland, and Lisa Marie Presley this collaboration with HBO should have exceptional production qualities.

 

 

Here are the facts:

‘Elvis Presley – The Searcher,’ Documentary Exploring His Creative Journey, Debuts April 14

 The HBO documentary ELVIS PRESLEY: THE SEARCHER debuts SATURDAY, APRIL 14 (8:00–11:00 p.m. ET/PT) on HBO.

This three-hour, two-film presentation focuses on Elvis Presley the musical artist, taking the audience on a comprehensive creative journey from his childhood through the final 1976 Jungle Room recording sessions. The films include stunning atmospheric shots taken inside Graceland, Elvis’ iconic home, and feature more than 20 new, primary source interviews with session players, producers, engineers, directors and other artists who knew him or who were profoundly influenced by him. The documentary also features never-before-seen photos and footage from private collections worldwide, and includes an original musical score composed by Pearl Jam lead guitarist Mike McCready.

As previously announced by SXSW, Priscilla Presley, David Porter (legendary Memphis music writer and producer), Thom Zimny (director), Jon Landau (producer) and moderator John Jackson (SVP A&R, Sony Music) will discuss the film, the cultural impact of Elvis’ music and how that impact became the embodiment of rock’n’roll at the 2018 SXSW Festival in March. The panel is expected to cover:

• how Elvis found inspiration in black and white gospel music of Tupelo
• his early experience with the great African-American blues and r’n’b of Memphis
• his evolution as an artist with Sam Phillips
• the creative impact of his time serving in the U.S. Army in Germany
• the creative highs and lows of his career in the 1960s, culminating in the triumphant ’68 special
• an assessment of Elvis as a performing artist in the early ’70s, featuring a discussion of Jon Landau‘s seminal 1971 review of Elvis in concert
• a discussion of the interviews conducted for the film, including insights into the conversations with Scotty Moore, Red West, Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty, among others
• insight into the creation of the film’s score by Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready
• an inquiry into the artistic and personal struggles that preceded his death in 1977

RCA/Legacy Recordings, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, will release “Elvis Presley: The Searcher,” the musical companion to the HBO/Sony Pictures documentary, on Friday, April 6. It will be available in digital and physical configurations.

ELVIS PRESLEY: THE SEARCHER is an HBO Documentary Films Presentation in association with Sony Pictures Television; executive producers, Glen Zipper, Priscilla Presley, Jerry Schilling, Andrew Solt, Alan Gasmer and Jamie Salter (chairman and CEO, Authentic Brands Group); producers, Jon Landau and Kary Antholis; directed and produced by Thom Zimny.

 

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http://www.ElvisCollector.info

Elvis Presley…WAS (November 2017 edition)

Most know the name Elvis or Elvis Presley. Many know of his fame, his music, his looks. his life, etc. But this post is not about that this post is about what Elvis Presley…was.

I recall back the early 1970s there was a (for lack of a better word) gossip magazines and there was one photograph of Elvis in a blush pink suit in total concentration with his hands on the piano keys. One of the comments was “it really takes a man to wear pink and make it look natural and beautiful”.

 (photo courtesy of the private collection of Mr. Schrembs)

Elvis was, including but not limited to, a man with emotions. Back in the 1950’s some thought Elvis was mean and it showed in his eyes and his face. Girls/women thought he was the best looking thing. Guys/men were either jealous or took Elvis for part of what he was and that was genuine. He gave his all onstage and in recordings. Critics thought that he was a neanderthal and gave him the childest (note – in one amazing interview in the 1950’s Elvis was asked about Herb Ross called him Elvis the pelvis and Elvis showed his disdain by saying in part “the kids that come out to my shows are someones daughters. Someones sons. They come out to have a good time. I bet Herb Ross is so old he never gets it. One day these girls and boys will grow up but let them have their joy. Let them have some fun” Elvis RARELY criticized anyone in public but his tone was strong and semi-angry and let us have a glimpse of what he truly thought) nickname of “the Pelvis”,

Elvis was spiritual. Elvis was well read. Elvis

*** to be continued

http://www.ElvisCollector.info

 

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Do you know Elvis Presley? September 2017 edition

 

Thanks for visiting and please let others know about our site, blogs, and http://www.ElvisCollector.info the premier Elvis Presley website with NO ads. NO pop-ups. NO solicitations. NO selling. Just great, rare, awesome, unique, cool. and “you can only find here” content. Oh yeah it features Jeff Schrembs the Elvis Presley expert, collector, historian, and author.

For those who don’t know Jeff Schrembs, pertaining to Elvis and per his own self description, he has been collecting Elvis Presley memorabilia for six decades. He put a priority on photographs, videos, Elvis personal notes/letters/handwriting/autograph/signatures/etc. Mr. Schrembs has never monetized any aspect of his collection, website, knowledge, etc. Having a personal relationship, with great respect, to so many who; worked with, lived with, were related to, who were loved by, etc. Elvis (in all areas of Elvis personal and professional life dating back to Elvis’ childhood continuing until Elvis’ passing and continuing to this very day). Mr. Schrembs has never, nor will ever, attempt to monetize his relationships (individually or collectively) with these fine people nor does Mr. Schrembs (even remotely) believe/convey that he knows Elvis “better” than any of these people or so many in the “Elvis Presley world”. Had it not of been for Mr. Schrembs having cancer, dating back a few years ago and he opted to begin to share his knowledge about Elvis Presley online as a positive distraction, this blog would not be in existence. With that said lets get to some way cool info.

Elvis Presley, back in the 1950’s, preferred Pepsi versus coke because at that time Pepsi offered twice the quantity for less.

Elvis would chase down the milk man, it was the norm for a milk man to deliver fresh milk in bottles on the porches and/or front doors, of it’s customers, and pay for a few frosty/perfectly chilled milk bottles so fresh rich cream was at the top of the bottles.

Many times Elvis would go the donut store, and they made them 24 hours a day and Elvis knew when they would be piping hot, and eat 1/2 a dozen donuts and wash it down with his bottles of milk.

Elvis was an usher at a movie theatre as a teenager.

When Elvis was told, by Sam Phillips that Dewey Phillips the DJ (no relation), that Elvis’ first recording of “that’s all right little momma” would be played on the radio that night Elvis went into a movie theatre to be alone with his nerves and in the darkness should the song not be received well.

When the song was played the switchboard at the radio station lit up with request after request to hear the song played again. It was an instant hit and Dewey Phillips radio show, red hot and blue, was played to a wide and diverse audience (i.e. white audiences, african american audiences, etc.). African Americans, and white people and others across the spectrum, were equally enjoying this song and 99% of the audience thought Elvis was African American. It was only until Elvis, who was invited, went into Dewey Phillips radio booth to do an interview (note – Elvis did not know the interview was live and being broadcast) and he disclosed that he attended Hume’s High School did the radio audience realize that Elvis was white (as Humes High School, like most every school in the nation was segregated).

Memphis, during Elvis’ childhood and throughout the 1950’s, was a bustling thriving location where muscians were found on the streets, in the churches, and on front porches everywhere. You could not go down a main street in downtown Memphis and not hear various songs. But, it was in church that Elvis was first exposed to as a child that he exhibited singing, dancing, and his own vocal inflections and movements. This was not regulated to Elvis’ family church for it has been documented that Elvis, at an early age, went to African American churches and loved the music. The sermons. The praising of the lord. Many African American Pastors have participated in documentarys confirming these statements and remarking that Elvis was a truly gifted singer. He was unlike anyone they had seen or heard.

There was a well known mens clothing store in Memphis named Lanksy Brothers where there were bright colors, custom tailored shirts/suits/pants, wild shirts, shiny leather/animal print/suede/etc. shoes, and just about everything a man of style would want. Elvis often windowshopped and one day went to Bernard Lansky, one of the owners, and told him “Mr. Lansky one day I am going to buy a lot of clothes from you”. Within a few years Elvis’ statment came true and Elvis remained a loyal customer for decades.

The only school subject that Elvis failed, which was an F, was in music. Can you imagine? Elvis failed music? He had a photographic memory. He had perfect pitch. But, at the time he was so shy and distracted by hardships (monetarily and within the family construct) that he earned this grade. There are several interviews, along with firsthand accounts, wehreby Elvis admiited this happened but his music teacher thought Elvis had talent so she entered him into talent shows and Elvis won the talent show at Humes High School to the shock of many students and facility. From that moment on Elvis brought his guitar to school and often would be outside during lunch break strumming it and singing for the students espically the young ladies.

One of Elvis’ favorite barbers was African American. There are many photographs of this, along with some firsthand accounts, taking place. The barber said that Elvis told him exactly how he liked it done, long for the time period and he wanted his sideburns neat  but wide and long like the truck drivers wore theirs,  and since Elvis’ hair was very thin, but he had a lot of hair, Elvis’ hair could be styled in any fashion he wanted.

Yeah we got some cool Elvis Presley moving GIFs (August 2017 edition)